Paseo Baquedano

About this place

An elegant pedestrian street in the heart of old Iquique, lined with grand wooden mansions with balconies, columns and porches, built by saltpetre fortunes in the late nineteenth century when the city was one of South America's richest ports, many in pine imported from North America. Its pavements are wooden boardwalks as of old, vintage-style trams carry visitors along it, and cafés, restaurants and craft shops fill the historic houses. The street also holds the Palacio Astoreca, a grand mansion turned museum with its furniture and decoration. To the north it ends at Plaza Prat, the city's heart, with the ornate white nineteenth-century Clock Tower and the classical façade of the Municipal Theatre. From the square streets lead to the port and seafront. The nicest time is late afternoon when the air cools and the cafés fill. The street is fairly safe, but watch your belongings in crowds.